The Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, met with Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), on Tuesday to discuss deepening collaboration in maritime affairs, particularly in light of Egypt’s strategic position within global shipping and its expanding role in the development of green energy solutions for the sector.
The official spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, confirmed that the meeting underscored the ongoing cooperation between Egypt and the IMO, emphasizing the country’s significant capabilities in maritime transport, especially with its pivotal maritime infrastructure, which includes the Suez Canal and its extensive coastlines along both the Mediterranean and Red Seas.
Key areas of discussion included joint efforts to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, the promotion of renewable energy, and environmental protection. A central focus of the talks was Egypt’s initiative to transform into a global hub for the production of green hydrogen, an effort that aligns with the IMO’s objectives to transition the shipping industry toward alternative fuels. The two sides also explored ways to enhance the IMO’s role in facilitating investment in green hydrogen infrastructure, particularly in ports and shipping lanes in developing nations.
Secretary-General Dominguez commended Egypt’s recent achievements in the modernization of its seaport services, noting their critical role in facilitating international navigation and supporting global supply chains in a sustainable manner. He expressed gratitude for Egypt’s proactive approach in strengthening the global maritime infrastructure.
The meeting also addressed security concerns in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital maritime route for international trade. President El-Sisi emphasized the IMO’s potential role in fostering dialogue between international and regional stakeholders to restore stability and security in the region. He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to mitigating tensions, citing the successful ceasefire agreement in Gaza and ongoing efforts to secure peace in the broader region.
The meeting highlighted Egypt’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and sustainable energy practices, while reinforcing the nation’s key role in supporting international trade and fostering regional stability. The collaboration between Egypt and the IMO serves as a critical step toward achieving both environmental and security objectives within the global maritime sector.
